How to Verify an EN 13432 Certificate
Table of Contents
EN 13432 is the European standard used to verify whether packaging products are industrially compostable.
However, not all claims referencing EN 13432 represent valid or current certification.
This page provides a practical, step-by-step guide to help buyers, importers, auditors, and sustainability teams verify whether an EN 13432 certificate is genuine, applicable, and compliant.
This content is provided for compliance verification purposes only and does not represent a product certification statement.
Why EN 13432 Certificate Verification Matters
Incorrect or misleading EN 13432 claims can result in:
- Rejected products by retailers or waste operators
- Failed sustainability audits
- Greenwashing risks under EU consumer protection laws
- Loss of trust with distributors and end customers
Verifying certification before sourcing or importing compostable packaging helps avoid these risks.
Step 1: Confirm the Certificate Holder
A valid EN 13432 certificate must clearly state the certificate holder.
Checklist:
- The certificate holder name matches the manufacturer, not just a distributor
- Trading names and legal entity names are consistent
- The supplier can explain their relationship to the certificate holder
⚠️ Red flag:
Certificates issued to raw material suppliers or unrelated companies.
Step 2: Check the Certification Body
EN 13432 certification is issued by authorized certification bodies, such as:
- TÜV Austria
- DIN CERTCO
Checklist:
- The certification body name is clearly stated
- The body is recognized for EN 13432 certification
- Logos are used correctly and not altered
⚠️ Red flag:
Generic “third-party tested” statements without naming the certification body.
Step 3: Verify the Certificate Number and Validity
Every EN 13432 certificate should include:
A unique certificate number
Issue date and expiration date
Current validity status
Checklist:
Certificate is not expired
Certificate number is traceable
Renewal or extension is documented if applicable
⚠️ Red flag:
PDF certificates without validity dates or reference numbers.
Step 4: Verify the Certificate in Official Databases
Do not rely on PDFs alone.
Always cross-check certification through official verification channels.
Typical verification steps include:
Searching the certification body’s official database
Matching certificate number and holder name
Confirming product scope information
⚠️ Red flag:
Suppliers who refuse or delay database verification.
Step 5: Confirm the Certification Scope (Finished Product vs Material)
EN 13432 certification applies to the finished product, not automatically to raw materials.
Checklist:
- Product type matches the certification scope
- Film thickness and structure are covered
- Printing inks, adhesives, and additives are included
- Multi-layer constructions are explicitly approved
⚠️ Red flag:
Claims such as “made from EN 13432 certified material” without finished-product certification.
Related reading: Why material-level certification is not enough
Step 6: Review Logo Usage and Labeling
Certified products may display recognized compostable logos (e.g. the Seedling logo), but usage must be authorized.
Checklist:
- Logo usage follows certification rules
- License numbers are provided where required
- Logo matches the certified composting environment (industrial only)
⚠️ Red flag:
Using compostable logos without a valid license or certificate reference.
Step 7: Cross-Check with Compliance Documentation
For audit or procurement purposes, suppliers should be able to provide:
- Valid certificates
- Product specifications aligned with certification scope
- Supporting test reports upon request
If documentation is inconsistent or incomplete, further verification is required.
Reference tool: Compostable packaging compliance checklist
Common EN 13432 Verification Mistakes
- Accepting raw material certificates as finished-product certification
- Ignoring certificate scope limitations
- Failing to check expiration dates
- Relying solely on supplier claims or marketing materials
These mistakes often lead to compliance failures later in the supply chain.
FAQ
It is the recognized technical basis for industrial compostability claims, but acceptance depends on local waste systems and regulations.
No. Certification applies only to approved product constructions and specifications.
No. OK Compost is a certification scheme, while EN 13432 is the underlying European standard.
Related Compliance Resources
- EN 13432 industrial compostable standard explained
- EN 13432 certification
- Why material-level certification is not enough
- Compostable packaging compliance checklist
